2 First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, 2 for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. 3 This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
5 For there is one God
and one mediator between God and humanity,
Christ Jesus, Himself human,
6 who gave Himself—a ransom for all,
a testimony at the proper time.
and one mediator between God and humanity,
Christ Jesus, Himself human,
6 who gave Himself—a ransom for all,
a testimony at the proper time.
7 For this I was appointed a herald, an apostle (I am telling the truth; I am not lying), and a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
8 Therefore, I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or argument. While thinking about these verses I gave the men three challenges.
1. Pray for our government.
Even if we do not agree with our government officials we should be praying for them. First, pray for their salvation, and secondly pray that they would receive the wisdom from God in order to make tough decisions regarding our country.
2. Pray for the church.
The majority of the American church seems to be asleep as moral issues in our country deteriorate. Pray that the church was wake up and stand up for our convictions. Also, pray that we would respond biblically (with conviction, yet with grace) to our culture.
3. Prayer for unbelievers. I challenged the men to begin praying that the Lord would lead them to one person for whom they would begin praying and reaching out to share the gospel. It is our hope that one year from this date, every man present will have shared their faith at least one time.
